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Recreation Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lead Athletics Operations Manager

Campus, IL · On-site

$29.38 - $32.40/hr

... Recreation equipment is in proper working condition. Coordinate all event tickets to ensure events ... The Lead Athletics Operations Manager reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director for ...

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

... Manager in the development of cooperative grant opportunities through community and school ... operation of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and ...

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

... Manager in the development of cooperative grant opportunities through community and school ... operation of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and ...

Operations Manager (Front Desk)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... Center, Recreation/Health Club, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage/Culinary and Engineering ... CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Supporting Operations Team Ensures that goals are being translated to the team ...

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Recreation Operations Manager information

What is a recreation operations manager?

Recreation Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of recreational facilities, such as community centers, sports complexes, or parks. They manage staff, coordinate activities and programs, ensure facility safety and maintenance, and handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and well-run environment for patrons. Additionally, they often work with the public to address concerns and improve services. Effective Recreation Operations Managers combine strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation operations manager?

To thrive as a Recreation Operations Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, experience in facility management, and a background in recreation or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and risk management systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service orientation help you excel in managing teams and engaging participants. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, high customer satisfaction, and safe, efficient facility management.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Recreation Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need to offer engaging programs, managing seasonal staffing fluctuations, and ensuring all facilities meet safety and compliance standards. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational and communication skills, fostering a flexible team environment, and staying up to date with industry regulations and best practices. Additionally, effective collaboration with other departments and community partners can help streamline operations and enhance the quality of recreational offerings.

What is the difference between Recreation Operations Manager vs Recreation Program Coordinator?

AspectRecreation Operations ManagerRecreation Program Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidUsually requires a bachelor's degree or relevant experience; certifications like CPR, First Aid are common
Work EnvironmentOversees facility operations, staff management, budgeting in recreation centers or parksAssists in program planning, community outreach, and event coordination within recreation departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal parks, recreation departments, and private recreation facilitiesCommonly employed in community centers, parks, and recreational organizations

The Recreation Operations Manager focuses on managing the overall operations, staff, and facilities, ensuring smooth daily functions. In contrast, the Recreation Program Coordinator primarily handles program development, community engagement, and event planning. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the recreation industry, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is a recreation operations manager degree worth it?

A recreation operations manager typically benefits from a degree in recreation management, leisure studies, or a related field, which provides knowledge of program planning, facility management, and customer service. While some positions may accept relevant experience in lieu of a degree, having formal education can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities in the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Recreation Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Recreation Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Recreation Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Lead Athletics Operations Manager

American

Campus, IL • On-site

$29.38 - $32.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Athletics Facilities & Operations

Time Type:

Full time


Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Full On Campus Presence

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Lead Athletics Operations Manager is directly responsible for all of the day-to-day facility operations and event operations for Bender Arena and the Meltzer Center. The Lead Athletics Operations Manager assists in coordinating logistics and planning special event preparation and site preparedness for all home athletic events, and external events. The Lead Athletics Operations Manager serves as the liaison between Facilities Management, Aramark Services, and other campus departments to ensure that all facility, operational, and project needs are being met on a daily bases. The incumbent coordinates all facility and event requirements with campus partners on a weekly basis to ensure successful event execution and operational support. In addition, the Lead Athletics Operations Manager assists in the coordination of student staff members and part-time staff members to execute events. The Lead Athletics Operations Manager oversees event execution for assigned varsity programs each year. Responsible for administrative duties including but not limited to key and access management, facilities inspections and coordination with housekeeping, and student hiring.This position works under a general level of supervision.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for all facility maintenance, upkeep, improvements, and cleaning of all indoor and outdoor managed facilities. This includes weekly walk-thrus and inspection of all facilities, putting in work orders to replace/repair broken equipment or to clean facilities, and regular follow-up to ensure work orders are being addressed in a timely fashion.

  • Responsible for home athletic event management for assigned varsity athletic programs. This includes setup, execution, and breakdown of all aspects of those events.

  • Coordinates with Facilities Management and Aramark Services to make sure all Department of Athletics & Recreation equipment is in proper working condition. Coordinate all event tickets to ensure events have appropriate coverage by campus partners.

  • Coordinates all scoreboard repairs and installations with departmental staff, company staff, electricians, and other support staff to ensure scoreboards are functioning and working properly for all events. To be the onsite point of contact for those repairs and installations.

  • Manages departmental key inventory in consultation with the University locksmith. This includes ordering and assigning new keys for new staff members, replacing broken keys with new keys, and ensuring that all staff members have the necessary keys they need to the appropriate accessible areas within the Department's facilities.

  • Manages all departmental access requests for ID cards for staff and student athletes. Coordinates with AUPD on appropriate access levels for individual swipe cards.

  • Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations.

  • Secondary point of contact for special event and athletic contest management to ensure that the facilities needed are available and ready for use.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • The Lead Athletics Operations Manager reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities & Operations, and works in conjunction with the Department of Athletics and Recreation staff. Reporting to this position are student and part-time employees. The Athletic Facility Manager helps supervises part-time student staff members working on facility projects to ensure facilities are ready for use in a safe and secure manner. This position supervises 15 - 25 contractual employees throughout the year who assist on athletic facility projects.

Competencies:

  • Serving Customers.

  • Displaying Creativity.

  • Prioritizing and Organizing.

  • Championing Customer Needs.

  • Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

  • Developing Plans.

  • Supporting Coworkers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

  • Full-time.

  • 35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

  • $29.38 - $32.40 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree.

  • 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Sports Management or Event Management, or a related field and experience that demonstrates the necessary skills is required, as well as a minimum of one year of related experience in event operations and management.

  • Deadline oriented, demonstrated time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills are essential to this position.

  • Ability to manage many projects at once and to delegate projects when necessary are vital to the success of this position.

  • Strong interpersonal skills are essential.

  • Inventorying and cash handling experience preferred.

  • Frequent evening and weekend hours may be required.

  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.

  • Ability to stand forlong hours.

  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and other non-traditional hours as required.

Other Duties:

  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, emailtheworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.